Attorney seeks juvenile trial for Pa. teen who stabbed brother over a video game

Tuesday

Apr 22, 2008 at 10:42 AM

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — An attorney says a 14-year-old accused of fatally stabbing his older brother over a video game should be tried as a juvenile.

Attorney Michael Malloy says Jahmir Ricks, who was 13 at the time, is an emotional boy struggling with his crime and should not be in a state prison.

Malloy gave closing arguments Monday in a Delaware County Court hearing on whether the Lansdowne boy should stand trial as an adult. Following prosecution arguments Wednesday, Judge Frank Hazel will have 20 days to decide.

Malloy says Ricks faced close to a battered-spouse syndrome because of a pattern of beatings from his 16-year-old brother, Antwan.

Prosecutors argue he is too dangerous to be in the juvenile justice system. He is currently in maximum security in the Delaware County Prison, charged with first- and third-degree murder and other counts.